The one thing NOT to do if you want an upgrade on a flight

Who hasn't checked into a long-distance flight with the not-so-secret dream of being whisked away to First Class with a free upgrade?

Well, if your ambition is to travel in serious style then listen up because one flight expert has revealed the one you thing you should avoid at all costs if you want to be in with a chance of getting upgraded...

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Nik Loukas, who has worked in the travel industry for over a decade and runs a specialist website all about it, revealed to Business Insider UK that one surprising factor can have a massive effect on your chances – and, no, it's not opting to travel to the airport in your baggy tracksuit bottoms.

Apparently, if you order what's deemed a 'special meal' then you're unlikely to be moved up into the lap of luxury.

'If there's a special meal request in your booking, the airline won't even look at you (for an upgrade),' Loukas said.

By 'special', he means a meal that differs from the norm, such as the vegetarian or kosher option for instance.

But why the discrepancy?

'Because you've got a dietary requirement, and they might not be able to cater for you if they upgrade you,' he added.

Basically, because the standard of meal varies between the different classes on a plane, they might be unable to accommodate your preferences if they bump you up to First.

Bad news for the vegetarians among us! Seems a bit unfair, ey?

Still, there is one silver lining if you have no choice but to order a special meal: Loukas says they're usually tastier because they get 'a little more love and care' paid to them.

Hmm, that doesn't make up for the lack of free bubbly though, does it!?